Maratea

Maratea, a Lucanian comune (municipality) of around 5500 inhabitants, is situated on the side of San Biagio mountain. It extends from here for 30 kilometres on the Tyrrhenian Policastro Gulf ; the zone also comprises the coastal frazioni (sub-divisions) of Castrocucco, Marina, Fiumicello, Cersuta and Acquafredda and the mountainous areas of Massa and Brefaro. Nowadays there are not certain data regarding Maratea’s historical roots, but the most reliable hypotheses trace its origins back to the 7th century BC, by Greek settlers probably from the disappeared ancient city of Blanda. The small off-shore island of Santo Janni, that significantly contributes to maintaining a constant the flow of tourists that fills hotels and local restaurants every summer, rises in its transparent and crystal-clear waters. The excellent seaside facilities complete the charming work of Nature that has endowed the place with stupendous seabed and fantastic caves, the most remarkable being the Grotta Marina (sea grotto) with its stalactites and stalagmites. Maratea is known as the “City of the 44 churches” due to the wealth of the cultural and architectural value of the important monasteries and chapels that the city offers to visitors. Among them, there is the Basilica of St. Biagio, the Chiesa dell’Annunziata (Our Lady’s Church), the Church of Madonna del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) and the Santa Maria Maggiore Church. A particular attraction for visitors is the statue of Cristo Redentore (Christ, the Redeemer), 22-metres tall and placed overhanging the San Biagio mount.